How to Install prod.keys & title.keys on Yuzu Emulator and Fix the “Encryption Keys Are Missing” Error (A No-BS Guide)

So, you’ve finally decided to dive into the world of Nintendo Switch emulation with Yuzu, only to be slapped in the face by the dreaded “Encryption keys are missing” error.

Don’t panic—this is a rite of passage for every Yuzu user. Let’s break down exactly what’s going on here and how to fix it for good.

Why Do You Need prod.keys and title.keys?

Yuzu, like any emulator, needs to decrypt Nintendo Switch game files to run them. Think of prod.keys and title.keys as digital lockpicks that let Yuzu bypass Nintendo’s encryption. Without them, Yuzu can’t read your games, hence the error.

Important Legal Note: These keys are copyrighted material. You must dump them from your own Nintendo Switch to stay legal. This guide assumes you’ve done that or have a legitimate backup. We don’t condone piracy—support developers by buying games!

Prerequisites

Before we start:

1. Install Yuzu: Grab the latest version from yuzu-emu.org (official Yuzu project is no more. Intead, download Yuzu from here).
2. Own a Nintendo Switch: To legally dump keys/games.
3. Basic File Management Skills: You’ll be moving folders and extracting ZIPs.

Step 1: Get Your prod.keys and title.keys

Legally, you need to dump these from your Switch using tools like Lockpick_RCM. If you’ve already done this, skip ahead. If not:

• Follow Lockpick_RCM’s guide to dump keys to your SD card.
• Transfer the prod.keys and title.keys files to your computer.

Common Pitfalls:

• Using outdated keys (Yuzu updates often require newer keys).
• Incorrectly named files (must be prod.keys, not prod.key or keys.txt).

Step 2: Locate Yuzu’s “keys” Folder

Yuzu stores keys in a specific folder. Here’s how to find it:

1. Open Yuzu.
2. Click File > Open Yuzu Folder (top menu bar).
3. A window will pop open showing Yuzu’s internal files. Look for a folder named keys.

No “keys” folder? Create it yourself:

• Right-click in the Yuzu directory > New > Folder > Name it keys.

Platform-Specific Paths (if the menu method fails):

• Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\yuzu\keys
• Mac: /Users/<YourUsername>/Library/Application Support/yuzu/keys
• Linux: ~/.local/share/yuzu/keys

Step 3: Copy the Keys to Yuzu

1. Open your keys folder (from Step 2).

2. Copy/paste prod.keys and title.keys into this folder. Drag-and-drop works, but double-check the files are exactly named as shown.

3. Restart Yuzu: Close it fully (check Task Manager if on Windows) and relaunch.

Still getting the error? Try:

• Updating Yuzu to the latest version.
• Redumping your keys (old keys might not work with newer games).

Step 4: Verify the Keys Are Working

1. In Yuzu, go to File > Install Files to NAND…
2. Navigate to a game file (.XCI or .NSP). If Yuzu reads it without errors, you’re golden!

Testing with a Game:

• Load a game. If it crashes or shows a black screen, your keys or firmware might be outdated.

Troubleshooting the “Encryption Keys Missing” Error

1. Double-Check Filenames:
   • prod.keys ≠ product.keys
   • No typos, extra spaces, or file extensions (e.g., prod.keys.txt is wrong).
2. Update Yuzu: Older versions might not support newer keys.
3. Reinstall Yuzu: Corrupted installs can cause issues. Backup your keys folder first!
4. Firmware Mismatch: Keys are tied to your Switch’s firmware version. Update your firmware dump if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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The “Encryption keys are missing” error is Yuzu’s way of saying, “Hey, I can’t read your games without the right tools.” By following this guide, you’ve essentially handed Yuzu a decoder ring.

Just remember: emulation is a hobby that thrives on legality and respect for developers. Keep your keys updated, stay ethical, and enjoy your Switch library on your terms.

Got stuck? Drop a comment below—I’ll help you out! 🛠️